U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedelinePlus
español

Printer-friendly version E-mail this page to a friend
Illustration of the food guide pyramid
  • Related Topics

  • Go Local

    • Services and providers for Child Nutrition in the U.S.
  • National Institutes of Health

A healthy diet helps children grow and learn. It also helps prevent obesity and weight-related diseases, such as diabetes. The following guidelines will help you give your child a nutritious diet:

  • Offer five servings of fruits and vegetables a day
  • Choose healthy sources of protein, such as lean meat, nuts and eggs
  • Serve whole-grain breads and cereals because they are high in fiber
  • Broil, grill or steam foods instead of frying them
  • Limit fast food and junk food
  • Offer water and milk instead of sugary fruit drinks and sodas

Learn about your children's nutrient requirements. Some of them, such as the requirements for iron and calcium, change as your child ages.

Start Here